Arengario (Old Town Hall), Monza

13th-century town hall in the centre of Monza

featured in Sights & Sites

'Arengario' derives from the Latin arengarius which means 'gathering place'. Situated very close to the cathedral, its presence symbolised the continuous fight for power among the religious and civil forces of Monza.

Built on one of the sides of the medieval market square and along the road connecting Monza with Brianza, the Arengario housed public activities and events such as trials, council meetings and trade exchanges.

Thus, its main floor has a vast room able to accommodate a large group of people, while there is a big porch underneath used to house market stalls and where measuring units were carefully kept in the Middle Ages. Access to the first floor was originally done via an external staircase while on the south side there was a small stone loggia known as the 'Parlerá' from where the commune's decrees were read to the people.

The Arengario's design was inspired by Milan's Palazzo della Ragione and is easily recognisable by its red brick walls and red and white window frames. The bell tower was added later and decorated with crenellations.

The building is now used for temporary exhibitions by Monza's town council.